EDITORIAL: Twin tests in math fail students

Published 4:10 am, Wednesday, September 4, 2013

It's as simple as 2 & 2: State and federal officials should have figured out a way to prevent Texas middle school students studying algebra from taking two standardized exams in math this spring.

They didn't, unfortunately, so next year those students will get a double dose of the kind of tests that detract from more meaningful curriculum. The glitch mostly affects eighth-graders, though some in seventh grade or younger are taking algebra, too.

The conflict between state and federal rules that caused this repetitive testing flew under the radar in the last legislative session - when it might have been possible to still do something.

Yet as usual, the first part of the legislative session was conducted at a leisurely pace. Lawmakers also wasted time on many issues that were far less important.

It may be the way the Legislature operates, but it still doesn't add up.